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1 February 2004 Correlation between Membrane Potential Responses and Tentacle Movement in the Dinoflagellate Noctiluca miliaris
Kazunori Oami
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Abstract

Membrane potential responses and tentacle movement of the marine dinoflagellate Noctiluca miliaris were recorded simultaneously and their time relationships were examined. The food-gathering tentacle of Noctiluca exhibited slow extension-flexion movements in association with the spontaneously recurring membrane potential responses termed the tentacle regulating potentials (TRPs). The flexion of the tentacle began during the slow depolarization of the TRPs. The rate of the flexion increased after the hyperpolarizing (negative) spike following the slow depolarization. The tentacle then extended slowly during the hyperpolarized level of the TRPs. A TRPs-associated flexion did not occur when the external Ca2 ions were removed. On the contrary, the tentacle showed conspicuous flexion (coiling) when the external Ca2 concentration was raised. In association with the stimulus-evoked action potential, which triggers bioluminescent flash (flash-triggering action potential; FTP), the tentacle coiled quickly. The FTP-associated coiling took place even in the Ca2 -deprived condition. The coupling mechanisms of the TRPs-associated and FTP-associated tentacle movements were compared, and their biological significance was discussed.

Kazunori Oami "Correlation between Membrane Potential Responses and Tentacle Movement in the Dinoflagellate Noctiluca miliaris," Zoological Science 21(2), 131-138, (1 February 2004). https://doi.org/10.2108/zsj.21.131
Received: 19 September 2003; Accepted: 1 November 2003; Published: 1 February 2004
KEYWORDS
action potential
bioelectric control
cell motility
Noctiluca
tentacle
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